May 2015 Council Meeting
Cllr Sinead Guckian calls for the introduction of VAT rebate zones to rejuvenate our town centres.
Notice of Motion at the May Meeting of Leitrim County Council in the name of Cllr Sinead Guckian.
“At the May meeting of Leitrim County Council I will ask for the support of the members in calling on the Minister of Finance to introduce a new VAT Rebate scheme for Local Authorities, to incentivise the rejuvenation of our town centres. The proposed scheme would give County Councils permission to introduce VAT rebates to incentivise new businesses and encourage the redevelopment of our towns. The council could adopt terms and conditions about where and who is eligible to apply, types of businesses and the zones/areas to be covered. The plan could take into account the unique culture and interests of the individual towns.
Speaking at the May meeting of the Council, Cllr Sinead Guckian outlined that this new policy recommendation and scheme is designed to rejuvenate and reenergise our town centres. She said the recommendation and proposal had stemmed from discussions with party colleagues around the country who are seeking ways to address the lack of Government action to sustain rural towns and villages.
“If the Ministers accepts this proposal, the council would adopt a scheme of terms and conditions, deciding eligibility, deciding what types of businesses could apply and deciding which areas, main streets etc that could be zoned for the VAT rebate.”
“With a VAT rebate scheme, elected members, in conjunction with local business groups could put in place a clear plan for their areas and therefore incentivise businesses back into the hearts of our towns and villages. “
Cllr Sinead Guckian advised that by giving this responsibility to Local Authorities, members would be best placed to focus on the future development of their towns and to take into account the unique culture and interests of each area to be zoned for a VAT rebate.
Cllr Guckian outlined that Leitrim County Council was one of the first Councils to call on the Government to introduce an incentive to kick start the building trade, when the Council passed her motion in 2012 calling on the Minister for Finance to introduce a new tax credit scheme for participants who want to carry out improvement works on their primary residence. “this home refurbishment scheme was then introduced by Government, now we need a scheme to assist us build back up our main streets and support local business”
“I believe in the future of town centres and a VAT rebate scheme could assist in putting the life back into them, this scheme would be cost neutral and see local democracy working at its best”
